When any of our States privatize an existing toll road, it, of course, shifts the responsibility to operate and maintain that toll road to a private entity and gets a cash payment in return. Under existing law, these privatized toll roads continue to be included in the calculation for receipt of Federal highway funds. I do not think that makes any sense. This is a commonsense amendment to correct that. This amendment simply ensures that privatized toll roads are removed from consideration when we allocate Federal highway funds. As I say, I think it makes a lot of sense and should apply equally to all States. I urge support for the Bingaman-Durbin amendment. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Who yields time in opposition? The Senator from Oklahoma.
Share
More from Jeff Bingaman
I rise today to introduce a resolution, along with my colleague Senator Tom Udall, recognizing the centennial anniversary of New Mexico's statehood. For over 100 years, New Mexico, the ``Land of Enchantment,'' has enriched the Nation with…
We ought to be encouraging that. That should not be something that we just do for 3 years or 5 years.
I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on December 19, 2012. The PRESIDING OFFICER. With objection, it is so ordered. Committee on Finance
Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) requested agency information on the amount of EAJA fees paid out by the U.S. Forest Service from 1999 through 2005.





